east meets west in a beautiful blend of tradition
The March wedding of Valerie Taylor and
Jag Chopra featured a beautiful blend of
Sikh and Western traditions.
The wedding was held at La Mariposa
because of its unique beauty, lush green
grass, large trees, bamboo thickets and a duck pond, while
the reception was held at Westward Look Resort in order to
capitalize on the beautiful rooftop views during sunset and
exquisite, formal touches, from the ballroom chandeliers to
the delicious gourmet cuisine.
The outdoor Gazebo was draped in pink, yellow, purple
and green fabric that coordinated with the flower arrangements.
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib was set up inside the
Gazebo. The Bride, dressed in a custom-designed silk suit
draped in gold, was walked down the aisle, per Western
tradition, by her father.
In keeping with Sikh tradition, the father and brother of
the bride both agreed to wear turbans, while the rest of the
bride’s family wore suits custom-made in India. The groom
rode in on a white mare, with his nephew on his lap while
a drummer banged on an instrument called a Dhol to get
the festivities going. After prayers, singing, and four trips
around the altar, the couple was showered with flower petals
to celebrate the uniting of their two souls in marriage.
The reception began with a sunset cocktail hour at the
Westward Look, taking advantage of the spectacular rooftop
views of the Santa Catalina Mountains at the resort. The
flower arrangements in the ballroom downstairs changed
colors as one moved across the room. The centerpieces
began as 100 percent gold in color; then burgundy flowers
were gradually added so they were 50/50 gold and burgundy
in the center of the room. The gold flowers were then
phased out so that on the opposite end of the room the arrangements
were 100 percent burgundy. All arrangements
were accented with gold and burgundy bead work.
The focal point of the room was the sweetheart table.
Designed to resemble an Arabian tent, the table was draped
in gold fabric with enormous burgundy orchid flower arrangements
atop pillars and all over the table. The couple’s
grand chairs were draped in gold fabric, and gold flower
petals adorned the floor surrounding the table.
Wedding Location:
The Starlight Room at La Mariposa
Reception Location:
Westward Look Resort
Photographer:
Chris Kittredge Photography
Flowers:
Floral Art by Rachel |
